Combined seating and reclining device and exerciser



July 10, 1962 J. w. SELLNER COMBINED SEATING AND RECLINING DEVICE AND EXERCISER '3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 9, 1959 Il 0 (2 2 2 2 M W 4 O H 3 2 a 3 w L 3 O 2 3 M 1 2 (a H J. W. Sellner,

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

July 10, 19 J. w. SELLNER COMBINED SEATING AND RECLINING DEVICE AND EXERCISER 5 Sheet s-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 9, 1959 J. W. Sellner,

mvsmron.

A T TORNE Y.

3 COMBINED SEATING AND RECLINING DEVICE AND EXERCISER July 10, 1962 J. w. SELLNER Filed Feb. 9, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 F/g. J0.

J.W. Sellner,

lNVE/VTOR.

United States Patent Q Filed Feb. 9, 1959, Ser. No. 791,911 8 Claims. (Cl. 272-58) The present invention relates to a seating and reclining device which is particularly designed for use as an exerciser. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which may be used for seating and reclining purposes and also for the purpose of exercising the human body in various positions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device which may be readily folded for storage.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a folding device of the type described having a minimum of parts and which can be quickly collapsed and opened with a minimum of effort and which is sturdy in construction and neat in appearance.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a folding device of the type described which can be mechanically operated by means of a motor-driven device.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a device of the type described particularly adapted to be folded for storage and the like in which a novel type of hinge construction is incorporated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the more detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein FIG. 1 is a top elevational view of a frame construction for the device of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation illustrating the frame construction, and support therefor.

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective illustrating an assembled construction of the type described.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are views in perspective illustrating various modes of utilizing the device of the invention as an exerciser in different positions.

' FIG. 9 is an enlarged detailed view in perspective illustrating the novel hinge construction of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view in elevation illustrating a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view in elevation illustrating a modified form of the invention incorporating a motor-driven element therefor.

FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation illustrating the form of the invention described in FIG. 11 in another position showing the operation of the driving device therefor.

FIG. 13 is a view in elevation illustrating the device of FIGS. 1 and 3 after it is folded.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3 partly in cross section, illustrating the attachment of the cross bracing member to the legs.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the frame elements of the device and FIG. 3 shows a completed assembled unit. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame is formed of two U-shaped members each with side members 21 and 21a and 22 and 2211 respectively. These are preferably formed of metal, such as tubular steel or aluminum. The U-shaped members are hinged at points adjacent the ends of the side members so that the frame can be articulated at the points of pivotal interconnection at the ends. It has been found that a highly satisfactory and simple hinge construction can be provided by forming the ends of the side members in such a manner that they will have a slight upward curvature and then flattening these end portions as shown at 31 and 32 and 33 and 34. These curved and 3,643,591 Patented July 10, 1962 flattened ends are then joined for pivotal movement at the ends by pins 35 and 35a. If desired, openings may be provided in the flattened end portions for the insertion of pivotal bearing members, such as sleeves of the Oilite type. The hinge construction is illustrated in enlarged detail in FIGURE 9. Leg members are provided in the form of U-shaped brackets having horizontal base members 23 and 24 with upwardly extending legs 25 and 26 and 27 and 28 which are connected at their ends to the side portions of the frame member as shown. Preferably these are pivotally connected to members such as 29 and 29a which depend from and are affixed to the side portions of the frame by means of welding, clamping or otherwise. Corresponding members to which the opposite legs are affixed are provided at the other side of the frame. These leg members are also formed of tubular metal of the same type as the remaining portion of the structure. In order to impart additional rigidity to the frame member one of the U-shaped members forming the frame is provided with a cross-brace 30 which may be of a curved or U-shaped configuration and is welded or otherwise attached to the side of the frame near the ends of the U-shaped member forming one of the sections. As shown in FIG. 3 the pivoted U-shaped leg members are braced longitudinally and held in predetermined supporting position by means of a U-shaped member 36 having a base or transverse member 37 and legs 38 and 39. The end of each leg portion is designed to fit into a corresponding socket positioned or aflixed to an intermediate point of the leg portion 27 of bracket 24. As shown, end portion 43 fits within a socket 44 and the opposite end portion of the other leg fits into a corresponding socket aflixed to the leg portion 28. The other side of the frame is held in place by positioning member 23 adjacent to and inwardly of transverse member 37 and slippage is prevented and positive engagement provided by affixing to member 37 a spring member 40 which is designed to releasably engage both members 23 and 37 and in this way insure a firm support for the frame when the U-shaped member 36 is attached. The spring member is substantially U-shaped, having one upward extending arm 40a adapted to receive and engage member 23 and another arm 40b adapted to be attached to member 37 as shown. In order to insure proper engagement and prevent accidental detachment of the brace a pin 41 attached to chain 42 is affixed to the end portion 43 of member 38. The pin may be designed to be inserted into an opening in 44 passing through a co-extensive opening in 38, thus locking the members together. A similar arrangement is provided at the end portion of the opposite leg 39 of member 36. It will be seen that the brace extends angularly from an intermediate point on one pair of legs to the baseof the other pair. If desired, however, it may extend from base to base or intermediate point to intermediate point. It is found that the angular position imparts a greater degree of rigidity. In view of the fact that the'arms of the U-shaped brace are aflixed to the front leg members, there is no flexibility or movement at these points. However, the base of the brace is held adjacent to the base of the rear leg members in such a manner that pivoting within the spring clip may occur thus permitting a certain degree of adjustment of the frame support to body movements.

Frame member 20 is provided with a cover 45 of fabric, plastic or similar sheet material. Preferably the fabtie is of cotton duck or canvas material of suitable weight and which is affixed to the frame by binding or otherwise but preferably in accordance with the means illustrated in applicants Patent No. 2,826,254. For most exercising purposes it is generally preferred that one pair of supporting legs should be shorter than the other and therefore as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 leg members 27 and 28 are shorter than opposite legs 25 and 26. If desired, however, these legs may all be of the same height so that when the frame is in elongated position it will support the user horizontally.

The assembled device provides a stable unit which is readily adaptable for use as an exerciser since it can be flexed at the hinged portions of the frame upwardly and downwardly conforming to the movement of human body when in use.

' FIGS. 4 to 8 inclusive illustrate several of the possible manners of use of the equipment. As shown in FIG. 4, the device is used as a back and abdominal exerciser when the user lies on the covered frame on his back and forces the ends of the frame upward so that they will pivot downwardly at the center of the frame as shown, and exerts stress against his back causing stressing and flexing of the back muscles as well as associated muscles in the upper and lower portions of the body. At the same time, the abdominal muscles are exercised. A strap may be provided across either or both ends of the frame so that the user may hold on to the strap with his arms or hands at one end and engage it at the other end by inserting his toes under the strap.

As shown in FIG. 5 the deviceis shown in a position designed to exercise the abdominal, back and leg muscles primarily. In order to achieve this position the user forces the device downward of the ends causing both ends to'be depressed while the'sections pivot upwardly. As shown in FIGS; 6 and7, two positions of the device are shown in which the user lies face downward on the frame in order to exercise stomach, back and leg muscles while in a different position.

FIG.- 8 shows another manner of use of the device in which it is used as a support for the body in which the head will be in a lowered position.

A modified form ofthe invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this form, the device is designed to function either as an exerciser or a conventional horizontal cot'or seat by permitting the frame to be locked in horizontal or other desiredposition to prevent its being flexed at the hinge when its use as a cot or fixed seat is desired. This is accomplished by utilizing a rigid bar which in'terengages the frame with the supporting structure. As shown, members 46 and 47 are provided with a' cover 48 and are hinged or pivoted at ends 49and 50 with corresponding portions being similarly hinged at the opposite sides of the frame. The hinged frame sections are united by means of a pin 51 and a corresponding pin at the opposite side. In order to provide a lubricated joint, it is'preferred to insert a suitable sleeve to provide a bearing surface which will be engaged 'by the pins, such a sleeve maybe of the Oilite type. The supports for the frame areU-shaped brackets 52 and 53having upwardly extendinglegs pivoted to the frame at 56 and 57 in the same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The legs are supported by brace 55, which is also U-shaped and having its arms engaged in socket 64 and anchored by pin 65, with corresponding members at the other side. The base of thebrace 55 is interengaged adjacent to the base of support 53 and held in placeby spring member 63 inla manner similar to that shown in FIG. 14. A cross brace 54 is provided for transverse reinforcement. The device is locked against vertical pivotal movement of the frame sections by means of locking bar 58, which is designed to interconnect the frame and the supporting brace. The bar is provided with pins or bolts so that it can be affixed to' th'e'fram'e at 59, through an opening provided adjacent the hinge. At the opposite end itengages an opening in brace 55 at '60. Additional openings, as at 61 and 62, are provided to lock the frame sectionsin the other desired positions; "The length of the bar and the location of the openings being such that one position provides a' horizontal arrangement and the other positions will provide desired angular reclining or seating positions. Thus, when it is desired'to use the device as an exerciser,

A l the bar is left off, in which case the assembly is utilized in the manner shown in FIGS. l-8. When it is to be used in fixed position for sitting or reclining, the bar is placed in position as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the device may be reciprocated at its hinges by mechanical means to provide a mechanized exerciser. The frame, which is composed of two U-shaped sections are hinged at ends 68 and 69 by means of a pin or bolt 70, similar hinging being present at the opposite side. Legs 71 and 72, and correspond ing opposite legs are provided by upwardly extending members of U-shaped brackets 87 and 88. Brace 74 is attached to socket 75 and held in position by pin 76 similar means being provided on the opposite leg. The brace is held in position adjacent to bracket 85 by means of spring clip 73., Legs 71 and 72 are pivotally joined to the frame sections at 77 and 78, the opposite legs being joined'to the frame at the opposite side in a similar manner. A housing 79 is provided-within which are mounted a motor 80, and a pulley 81 driven by pulley 82 and belt 83. Connecting rod or arm 84 is eccentrically and pivotally attached at one end to the pulley at 85 and at the other end is pivotally attached to the frame near the hinge at 86; The rod may be connected at the hinge, a suitable bearing being provided, or a fitting such as a; sleeve bearing may be attached to the frame near the hinge toprovide a point of rotation. Therod may be detached at the frame to permit the device to'be-used as an exerciser without the motor. It will be seen that'upon rotation of pulley 81 at a desiredspeed arm 84 will cause the frame sections to move upward and downward pivoting on the hinges. The amplitude ofthis movement is determined by the diameter of the pulley and/or the length of-the rod'and its point of attachment. In lieu of or in'addition to the motor driving means a vibrational effect may be provided by means of a vibrator 89 attached to cross brace member 90.

As shown in FIGURE 13, the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to S'may be easily folded into a compact storage or carrying unit. This is done by detaching brace 36, folding the frame sections upward and then folding the legs upward as shown. Brace 36 may then be inserted between the folded frame sections.

What is claimed is:

1. An exercising device comprising first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections, a first leg pivotally afiixed to and depending from opposite side; edges of said first'frame section at a point intermediate thereof, a second leg pivotally afiixed to and depending-from opposite side edges of said second frame section at a point intermediate thereof, each of said legs terminating in a base member disposed transversely of said frame sections, and a rigid' U-shaped bracket disposed beneath and longitudinally of said frame sections, the arms of said bracket being affixed to the depending portions of said first leg at a point disposed from said pivotal attachment thereof to said first frame section, the base of said bracket being interlocked with said transverse termination of said second leg and being pivotally moveable with respect thereto.

7 2. An exercising device comprising first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections, a first leg-pivotally afiixed to and depending from opposite side edges of said'first frame section at a point intermediate thereof, a second leg pivotally aflixed toand depending from opposite side edges of said second frame section at a point intermediate thereof, each of said legs terminating'in a base member disposed transversely of said frame sections, a U-shaped-spring clip having one arm thereof afiixed to said transverse termination of said second leg, .and'a rigid U-shaped bracket disposed beneath and longitudinally of said frame sections, the arms of said bracket being affixed to the depending portions of said first leg at a point-disposed from said pivotal attachment thereof to Said first frame section, the base of said bracket being disposed within the other arm of said U-shaped spring clip and being adjacent said transverse termination of said second leg.

3. An exercising device comprising first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections, a first leg pivotally affixed to and depending from opposite side edges of said first frame section at a point intermediate thereof, a second leg pivotally afl'ixed to and depending from opposite side edges of said second frame section at a point intermediate thereof, each of said legs terminating in a base member disposed transversely of said frame sections, and a rigid U-shaped bracket disposed beneath and longitudinally of said frame sections, the arms of said bracket being aflixed to the depending portions of said first leg at a point disposed from said pivotal attachment thereof to said first frame section and the base of said bracket being pivotally affixed to said transverse termination of said second leg.

4. An exercising device comprising first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections, a first leg pivotally aflixed to and depending from opposite side edges of said first frame section at a point intermediate thereof, a second leg pivotally affixed to and depending from opposite side edges of said second frame section at a point intermediate thereof, each of said legs terminating in a base member disposed transversely of said frame sections, and a rigid bracket angularly disposed beneath and longitudinally of said frame sections and interconnecting said first and second legs at points disposed from the pivotal attachment thereof to said first and second frame sections, the interconnection between said bracket and said second leg being a pivotal interconnection.

5. An exercising device comprising a pair of U-shaped tubular frame members, the ends of each of said frame members being flattened and upwardly turned, said frame members being pivotally joined together at said flattened areas to thereby provide hinged members, a pair of legs, one of said legs pivotally depending from opposite side edges of each of said frame members, each of said legs terminating in a base member disposed transversely of said U-shaped frame members, each of said legs being attached at intermediate points of said frame members, and a rigid member angularly disposed beneath and longitudinally of said frame members and interconnecting said legs at points disposed from the pivotal attachment thereof to said frame members, the interconnection between said rigid member and one of said legs being a pivotal interconnection.

6. An exercising device comprising: a pair of body supporting sections hinged together at contiguous end portions thereof; a pair of legs each having a pair of upwardly extending arm portions, the arm portions of each of said pair of legs pivotally depending from opposite side edges of one of said body supporting sections, said legs being attached at intermediate points along said opposite side edges between the hinged end portions and the opposite ends of said body supporting sections; and a rigid bracing member extending longitudinally of said exercising device and interconnecting each respective pair of legs at a point displaced from the pivot point thereof with said body supporting sections, the interconnecting point between one of said legs and said bracing member being intermediate the ends of said leg, one of said interconnecting points being a pivotal interconnection and the other being a fixed interconnection.

7. An exercising device comprising: first and second frame sections pivotally secured together at their inner ends; first and second U-shaped members each having a pair of upwardly extending arms, the ends of said arms of said first member being pivotally attached to opposite side edges of said first frame section at points intermediate the end and the center thereof, the ends of said arms of said second member being pivotally attached to opposite side edges of said second frame section at points intermediate the end and center thereof, the base of each of said U-shaped members extending transversely of the frame section and being aflixed at the terminus of said arms opposite the pivotal attachment to said side edges thereby to provide a pair of transverse support members for said device; and a rigid bracing member extending beneath and longitudinally of said frame section and interconnecting said U-shaped members at a point displaced from said pivotal attachment to said frame section to maintain them in spaced relationship and to provide rigidity to the resulting assembly while permitting said frame sections to pivot with respect to each other about their inner ends, the interconnection between said rigid member and one of said U-shaped members being a pivotal interconnection, the interconnection between said rigid member and one of said U-shaped members being intermediate the base and said pivotal attachment to the frame section of said U-shaped member.

8. An exercising device comprising: first and second frame sections pivotally secured together at their inner ends; first and second U-shaped members each having a pair of upwardly extending arms, the ends of said arms of said first member being pivotally attached to opposite side edges of said first frame section at points intermediate the end and the center thereof, the ends of said arms of said second member being pivotally attached to opposite side edges of said second frame section at points intermediate the end and center thereof, the base of each of said U-shaped members extending transversely of the frame section and providing floor support therefor; and a U-shaped rigid bracing member extending beneath and longitudinally of said frame section, the arms of said U-shaped bracing member being connected detachably and rigidly to a point intermediate the upwardly extending arms of one of said U-shaped members, the base of said U-shaped bracing member being pivotally attached adjacent the base of the other U-shaped member, whereby said first and second U-shaped members are maintained in spaced relationship and rigidity is provided to the resulting assembly while permitting said frame sections to pivot with respect to each other about their inner ends.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,937,056 Cuthell Nov. 28, 1933 2,152,431 Jensen Mar. 28, 1939 2,494,746 Colston Jan. 17, 1950 2,724,428 Sellner Nov. 22, 1955 2,808,827 OH-ara Oct. 8, 1957 2,860,628 Stauifer Nov. 18, 1958 2,938,572 Holloway et a1. May 31, 1960 

